U.S. patent application number 10/392431 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for fixed eyebolt assembly and inventory thereof.
Invention is credited to Alba, Tony J., Stranahan, Phil.
Application Number | 20030180118 10/392431 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43030459 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030180118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alba, Tony J. ; et
al. |
September 25, 2003 |
Fixed eyebolt assembly and inventory thereof
Abstract
An eyebolt assembly is provided in which a skirt member is
reinforced by radially projecting diametrically extending ribs. A
fixed lifting eye projects from one side of the skirt, and a
mounting stud projects from the opposite side. The mounting stud is
double threaded with one thread being adapted to mate with a
threaded bore in the body of the eyebolt assembly, and the other
thread being matched to a threaded bore in a load. The same eyebolt
body can be employed with a plurality of different mounting studs,
which simplifies inventorying eyebolt assemblies to meet all of the
different threaded bores that may occur in different loads. Only
the mounting studs need to be threaded to match the loads. The
skirts are provided with striking faces so that they can be
tightened and loosened by striking them with a hammer.
Inventors: |
Alba, Tony J.; (West Covina,
CA) ; Stranahan, Phil; (Huntington Beach,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bruce A. Jagger
BRUNTON & JAGGER
P.O. Box 29000
Glendale
CA
91209-9000
US
|
Family ID: |
43030459 |
Appl. No.: |
10/392431 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60365860 |
Mar 19, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
411/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/32303 20150115;
B66C 1/66 20130101; G06Q 10/0875 20130101; F16B 39/04 20130101;
F16B 45/00 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; G06Q 30/0601
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
411/400 |
International
Class: |
F16B 023/00; F16B
045/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An eyebolt assembly comprising: A skirt member, said skirt
member being generally circular, having a longitudinal axis,
bounded by a periphery, and including a first face, said first face
being generally flat, a second face generally opposed to said first
face, and a threaded socket element extending in said skirt member
from said first face at least towards said second face; a
reinforcement element integral with said second face and projecting
generally outwardly from said second face generally parallel to
said longitudinal axis, said reinforcement element including at
least first and second bar members extending generally
diametrically of said skirt member and intersectingly normal to one
another in a generally plus shaped form, said second bar member
including a striking face adjacent to and radially inward from said
periphery, said striking face extending generally parallel to said
longitudinal axis for a distance at least sufficient to be engaged
by a manually controlled hammer; said first bar member including a
lifting loop integral therewith, said lifting loop being generally
opposed to said first face; and a threaded stud member, said
threaded stud member being adapted to being threadably received in
said threaded socket element and projecting generally normal to
said first face and opposed to said lifting loop.
2. An eyebolt assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second bar
members include said striking faces.
3. An eyebolt assembly including a base member having first and
second sides generally opposed to one another, bounded by an outer
perimeter, and having a thickness between said first and second
sides, said base member extending generally laterally and having a
bearing surface on said first side, said bearing surface being
generally flat, said base member having a generally central region,
a threaded bore in said generally central region extending from
said first side at least into said thickness, a lifting loop member
integral with said base member in at least about said generally
central region, said lifting loop member being opposed to and
projecting generally normal to said bearing surface, at least 4
reinforcing rib members integral with said base member and
extending from said second face generally normal to said bearing
surface, said reinforcing rib members being arrayed generally
radially from said generally central region and extending
approximately to said outer perimeter, each of said reinforcing rib
members presenting at least a striking face extending generally
normal to said bearing surface, said striking faces being disposed
adjacent to and radially inwardly from said outer perimeter and
accessible from said second side, a cross-bore extending at least
into a said reinforcing rib member and intersecting said threaded
bore, said cross-bore being adapted to receiving a retainer pin
element therein, a stud member adapted to being received in said
threaded bore and to being retained there by pinning engagement
with said retainer pin element, said stud member being double
threaded with one threaded portion adapted to being threadably
received in said threaded bore and a second threaded portion
adapted to projecting generally normal to said bearing surface.
4. An eyebolt assembly according to claim 3 wherein said one and
second threaded portions have different threads.
5. An eyebolt assembly according to claim 3 wherein said lifting
loop member is an extension of a pair of said reinforcing rib
members, the reinforcing rib members in said pair of reinforcing
rib members being generally radially opposed to one another.
6. An eyebolt assembly according to claim 3 wherein said lifting
loop member is an extension of a pair of said reinforcing rib
members, the reinforcing rib members in said pair of reinforcing
rib members being generally radially opposed to one another, said
lifting loop member being generally symmetrical about a plane
extending generally normal to said pair of reinforcing rib members
and through said generally central region.
7. An eyebolt inventory control method comprising: providing a
plurality of eyebolt bodies, all of said eyebolt bodies having
about the same nominal dimensions and including a base member
having generally opposed bearing and lifting sides, said bearing
side being adapted to bear against a surface of a substrate, said
lifting side including a lifting loop integral therewith and
projecting generally axially therefrom, a mounting element engaging
member accessible from said bearing side and adapted to engagingly
receive an eyebolt mounting component projecting generally axially
from said base member and opposed to said lifting loop; stocking a
plurality of different eyebolt mounting components, each of said
eyebolt mounting components having at least two mounting elements,
a first of each of said mounting elements being adapted to engage
with a said mounting element engaging member, each of said eyebolt
mounting components having at least a second mounting element, said
second mounting element being adapted to engage said load, said
plurality of eyebolt mounting components including first eyebolt
mounting components having a first style of second mounting
elements, and second eyebolt mounting components having a second
style of second mounting elements, said first and second styles
being different; accepting a plurality of orders for different
eyebolt assemblies; responsive to a first of said orders, selecting
a said eyebolt body and a said eyebolt mounting component having
said first style of second mounting element; responsive to a second
of said orders, selecting a said eyebolt body and a said eyebolt
mounting component having said second style of second mounting
element; and assembling each of said selected eyebolt mounting
components to a said eyebolt body responsive to said first and
second orders.
8. An eyebolt inventory control method according to claim 7
including releasably assembling each of said selected eyebolt
mounting components to a said eyebolt body responsive to said first
and second orders.
9. An eyebolt inventory control method according to claim 7 wherein
said providing a plurality of eyebolt bodies includes stocking said
plurality of eyebolt bodies.
10. An eyebolt inventory control method according to claim 7
wherein said providing a plurality of eyebolt bodies includes
refurbishing pre-existing eyebolt assemblies to provide said
plurality of eyebolt bodies.
11. An eyebolt inventory control method according to claim 7
wherein said first style of second mounting element is a
thread.
12. An eyebolt inventory control method according to claim 7
wherein said first mounting element is a thread and said assembling
comprises threadably engaging said mounting element engaging member
with said first mounting element.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
60/365,860, filed Mar. 19, 2002, is claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates in general to eyebolts and, in
particular, to fixed eyebolt assemblies, and to eyebolt inventory
control methods.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Eyebolts of various configurations have been proposed for
various purposes. See, for example, Ake U.S. Des. No. 275,868;
Bethea U.S. Des. No. 286,979; Palmer U.S. Des. No. 309,251;
Schriever U.S. Des. No. 360,353; Kraine U.S. Des. No. 415,951; and
Bohli U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,873, which all relate generally to fixed
eyebolts with integral washers and separately provided fasteners
that mount generally centrally of the eyebolt structure. Mueller
U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,033; Motz U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,941; Seidel U.S.
Pat. No. 4,699,410; and Pearl U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,883, all relate
generally to mounting studs that are threadably received in both a
substrate and the mounting member. Jacobs U.S. Pat. No. 3,595,125;
Burke U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,765; Freeman U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,861;
Conway U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,245; Hanaway U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,416;
Kwon U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,910; and Cooper U.S. Des. No. 172,741, all
relate generally to eyebolts wherein a mounting stud is integral
with and extends generally centrally from the eye of the eyebolt.
Harold et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,748,646; Mason U.S. Pat. No.
4,090,314; McWhirter U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,785; Bongiovanni et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,193; and Smetz U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,457, all
relate generally to eyebolt structures in which separate bolts are
employed to secure the eyebolt structures to various substrates.
Pearl U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,884, from the swivel hoist ring art,
discloses a swivel hoist ring in which a double threaded mounting
stud and a skirt with radially projecting arms is proposed. The
faces of the radially projecting arms are said to be adapted to
being struck with a hammer to tighten the mounting stud. Tsui et
al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,965, from the tool bushing art, discloses a
method of controlling an inventory of tooling bushings by stocking
a variety of headless press fit bushings of various lengths, and a
few standard bushing heads which can be assembled to the headless
bushings as needed.
[0006] Fixed eyebolts that are intended to carry substantial loads,
either in a lifting or tie-down configuration, frequently require
removal and reinstallation in the same or different locations.
Typically, special tools to accomplish such removal and
reinstallation are not available or are not used. The ability to
reliably install or remove an eyebolt manually with only a hammer
would be advantageous. In general, fixed eyebolts are not
configured to accommodate this situation. Inadequate tightening of
an eyebolt to a substrate may result in a safety hazard.
[0007] Repeated or improper removal and reinstallation often
damages the threads or other mounting elements by which fixed
eyebolts are secured to substrates. Damaged eyebolts must be
refurbished or replaced. Refurbishment generally requires that the
mounting stud or other mounting components be replaced. Thus, the
eyebolt body should preferably be separable from the mounting
component.
[0008] Fixed eyebolts find application in a variety of different
applications such as, for example, load tie-downs, load lifting,
material handling, and the like. In the construction industry,
fixed eyebolts are frequently secured to concrete substrates
through, for example, conventional wire thread connections (see,
for example the wire thread disclosed in Tsui U.S. Pat. No.
5,732,991). In heavy manufacturing industries, fixed eyebolts are
frequently secured to substrates through, for example, machine or
square threads. In some industries, various different threads are
traditionally used for securing eyebolts to substrates. The eyebolt
body is typically the same for a given load capacity, but several
different thread styles or even stud diameters must be available to
satisfy the requirements of various applications. If the mounting
components are made integral with the body of the eyebolt, a
different eyebolt is required for each different thread style.
[0009] When an eyebolt with an integral mounting component becomes
damaged, the entire eyebolt is often discarded. The body of a
typical eyebolt is the most expensive part of the assembly, and
comprises the majority of the high grade alloy that is used in the
device. High strength alloys are sometimes in short supply. The
equipment that is required to process high strength alloys requires
a considerable capital investment, and operational costs are
significant. Minimizing the number of eyebolt bodies that must be
made and stocked would significantly reduce the cost of maintaining
an inventory of eyebolts. If only one eyebolt body could be stocked
for each rated load, regardless of the requirements for multiple
different mounting components, the costs and difficulty of
maintaining an eyebolt inventory could be significantly reduced. If
a particular thread style or stud diameter falls out of favor and
is no longer used, all of the fixed eyebolts with these dimensions
in which the mounting stud is integral with the eyebolt body must
be discarded. Mounting studs can be produced quickly and relatively
inexpensively, so it would not be necessary to stock a large number
of such studs of any given thread style if the studs were to be
made separate from the eyebolt body. The studs can be produced as
the demand appears. Inventory costs could be reduced if large
numbers of integral eyebolt body-mounting studs with different
thread styles did not have to be produced and inventoried to meet
anticipated demand.
[0010] An eyebolt, even though of a fixed design, should be capable
of supporting a rated load applied from any direction. Otherwise,
the installer of the eyebolt must be aware of and follow
installation instructions as to the necessary orientation of the
eyebolt relative to the anticipated load. Even if the installation
instructions are known, and they are followed, unexpected shifts in
the direction of the applied load may create a safety hazard. The
necessity to orient the eye in a particular direction to
accommodate a load may result in less than optimum tightening of
the eyebolt, thus creating a safety hazard.
[0011] These and other difficulties of the prior art have been
overcome according to the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A preferred embodiment of an eyebolt assembly and associated
inventory method according to the present invention comprises
providing a plurality of fixed eyebolt bodies, all with the same
nominal dimensions, for each rated load, and a plurality of
different eyebolt mounting components. The eyebolt mounting
components are all configured with substantially the same eyebolt
body engaging elements, but individual ones of the eyebolt mounting
components are configured differently to engage with different
types of elements in various substrates. All of the eyebolt
mounting components will mate with all of the eyebolt bodies. Where
the engagement between the eyebolt bodies and the mounting
components is, for example, by way of threads, all of the mounting
components have substantially identical threaded portions that are
adapted to mate with the threads in the eyebolt bodies. Different
ones of the mounting components have other threaded portions that
mate with those threads and diameters that are to be found
associated with the respective substrates with which the mounting
components are intended to mate. Thus, any eyebolt body may be
selected at random and assembled with any mounting component. The
other threaded portion of the mounting component can be selected
depending upon the requirements of its intended use. The eyebolt
bodies, for a given load rating, all have substantially the same
nominal dimensions, including the member that engages the mounting
component. It is only the mounting components that change depending
upon the intended application. Preferably, the eyebolt bodies are
releasably assembled to the mounting components so that the
mounting components may be replaced as they become damaged or
different mounting elements are required to mate with a particular
substrate mounting element.
[0013] The eyebolt bodies are configured so that they will support
the rated load without regard to its direction of application. To
this end, the lifting loop is generally symmetrical about a plane
that includes the longitudinal axis of the eyebolt assembly and
bisects the lifting loop either normal to or in the plane of the
loop. A skirt projects generally normal to the longitudinal axis
and is adapted to bear against the surface of a substrate to which
the eyebolt assembly is mounted. Also, reinforcing members that are
integral with the skirt extend generally radially of the skirt on
the normally upper surface of the skirt to support it against the
surface of a substrate. Preferably, the reinforcing ribs extend to
or at least adjacent to the periphery of the skirt. The lifting
loop is preferably integral with one pair of ribs for substantially
the full diametric length of the skirt. The ribs are preferably
radially arrayed around the normally upper side of the skirt so as
to strengthen the skirt from a load applied in any direction.
[0014] The reinforcing ribs are preferably configured so that they
provide striking faces to receive hammer blows from a manually
controlled hammer. The striking faces extend approximately parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the eyebolt assembly, and are of
sufficient extent that they can be reliably accessed by a manually
controlled hammer. Any striking face that extends generally axially
for less than approximately one-quarter of an inch from the
normally upper surface of the skirt is generally not reliably
accessible. For purposes of leverage, the striking faces should be
as close to the periphery as possible, but not extend radially
beyond the periphery of the skirt.
[0015] The eyebolt body is preferably releasably secured to the
mounting component, for example, by way of a pin received in a
cross-bore that extends through the ribs and mounting component,
adhesive, or the like.
[0016] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention provides its benefits across a broad
spectrum of fixed eyebolt assemblies. While the description which
follows hereinafter is meant to be representative of a number of
such applications, it is not exhaustive. As those skilled in the
art will recognize, the basic methods and apparatus taught herein
can be readily adapted to many uses. It is applicant's intent that
this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a
breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being
disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed
by the requirements of referring to the specific examples
disclosed.
[0018] Referring particularly to the drawings for the purposes of
illustration only and not limitation:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixed eyebolt and mounting
stud in accordance with the present invention, the perspective view
from the opposed side being an identical mirror image view.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof, the opposed
front elevational view being an identical mirror image view.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof, the opposed side
elevational view being an identical mirror image view.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 without the
mounting stud.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded front elevational view of a dual
threaded mounting stud and associated retainer pin.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment
wherein the substantially flat bearing surface includes an annular
boss.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 wherein
the step in the bearing surface that defines the annular boss, and
the location of the mounting stud are shown in phantom.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, there is illustrated generally at 10 a fixed eyebolt
assembly composed of an eyebolt body and a mounting stud 12.
Preferably, mounting stud 12 is separable from the eyebolt body. To
this end, if desired, a retainer pin 14 may be provided for
retaining insertion in cross-bore 16. Cross-bore 16, when provided,
extends through both a mounting component, for example, mounting
stud 12, and at least one of the reinforcing elements, for example,
the junction of rib members 18 and 20, so that the insertion of
retainer pin 14 locks the mounting stud 12 and the eyebolt body
together. The combination of a cross-bore and retainer pin can be
replaced, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, with
other securing elements. For example, the end of the mounting stud
12 can be extended up entirely through the intersection of the
reinforcing elements so that its proximal end is exposed. The
thusly exposed proximal end can be secured with a lock nut, a
castle or like nut and pin, a releasable clamp, or the like known
securing elements. The safe and secure assembly of the eyebolt body
to the mounting stud is thus assured. The securing element retains
the eyebolt body and mounting stud in the desired assembled
configuration during use, while permitting their disassembly when
desired for repair, maintenance, or reconfiguration.
[0029] The eyebolt body has a longitudinal axis 32 (FIGS. 4, 5, and
8) and includes a lifting loop 25, and a base member indicated
generally at 26, for example, a skirt member. Base member 26
extends generally radially and normal of axis 32, and has, for
example, a generally circular plan form bounded by an outer
periphery 28. Base member 26 includes a first side, which presents
a generally flat bearing surface 30. The generally flat bearing
surface 30 may or may not include a generally annular recess 34
(FIGS. 8 and 9) that steps up to an annular boss adjacent to outer
periphery 28. Bearing surface 30 is adapted to bear against the
surface of a substrate (not shown) to which the fixed eyebolt
assembly 10 is mounted. Base member 26 includes a second face 36
generally opposed to first face 30. Base member 26 generally
extends generally laterally of axis 32, and exhibits a thickness
between the first and second faces thereof.
[0030] A threaded bore 38 (FIG. 8) is located generally in the
central region of the base member 26, preferably generally
concentric with longitudinal axis 32. Threaded bore 38 is
accessible from first side 30 and extends at least into the
thickness of base member 26 towards second side 36. Preferably,
threaded bore 38 extends from first side 30 into the eyebolt body
for a distance at least equal to about one and one-half times the
diameter of stud 12. Preferably, threaded bore 38 is a blind hole,
and its depth is controlled so that when the stud 12 is fully
seated in threaded bore 38, cross-bore 16 aligns with the mating
bores in stud 12 and the eyebolt body. This assists in aligning the
mating bores to form cross-bore 16.
[0031] Reinforcing elements are provided integral with second side
36. Reinforcing elements take the form, for example, of generally
radially extending bars or reinforcing ribs. For example,
reinforcing ribs 20 and 24 together extend diametrically across
second side 36 to a location adjacent to but not radially beyond
outer periphery 28. Reinforcing ribs 18 and 22 together extend
similarly diametrically across second side 36, and generally
intersect with ribs 20 and 24 in the central region of the base
member 26 to define a generally cruciform or plus shaped
configuration. Each of the reinforcing ribs 18 and 22 presents at
least one striking face generally adjacent to outer periphery 28.
The striking face on reinforcing rib 18 is indicated at 40, and the
striking face for reinforcing rib 22 is indicated at 42. The
reinforcing ribs are configured so that the surfaces that are
generally opposed to striking faces 40 and 42 are likewise
available as striking surfaces. The respective striking faces are
accessible to be struck by a manually wielded hammer for tightening
or loosening the threaded mounting stud 12. Providing striking
faces on reinforcing ribs 18-22 protects lifting loop 25 from
potential damage from tightening or loosening hammer blows.
[0032] Lifting loop 25 is integral with base member 26 through
reinforcing ribs 20 and 24. Lifting loop 25 is generally
symmetrical about a plane that includes axis 32 and extends
generally normal to either reinforcing ribs 18-22 or 20-24.
[0033] Mounting stud 12 is adapted to being threadably received in
threaded bore 38. The thread form 48 on the proximal end of
mounting stud 12 is adapted to mate with that of threaded bore 38.
The thread form 50 on the distal end of mounting stud 12 is adapted
to threadably engage with what ever thread may be found in a
desired application. The diameters of the proximal and distal ends
can be the same or different as may be desired for a particular
application.
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates in phantom lines the disk 52 of material
that has been removed from the central region of the generally flat
second side 30 as illustrated in FIG. 5 to form the embodiment of
the flat second side 30 illustrated in FIG. 8. The central location
of a suitable mounting stud is illustrated in phantom at 54 in FIG.
9.
[0035] Eyebolt assemblies according to the present invention lend
themselves to use in a method of inventory control. According to
this method of inventory control, a plurality of eyebolt bodies are
provided. All of the eyebolt bodies have about the same nominal
dimensions and include a base member with generally opposed bearing
and lifting sides, a lifting loop integral with the base member,
and a mounting element engaging member. The mounting element
engaging member, for example, a threaded bore, is adapted to
engagingly receive an eyebolt mounting component that projects
generally axially from the base member and is opposed to the
lifting loop. Several different eyebolt mounting components are
provided. Each of said eyebolt mounting components has at least two
mounting elements. A first of each of the mounting elements is
adapted to engage with a mounting element engaging member
associated with the eyebolt bodies. The first mounting elements are
common to all of the eyebolt mounting components. Each of the
eyebolt mounting components has at least a second mounting element.
The second mounting element is adapted to engage a load. The
variety of eyebolt mounting components in the inventory includes at
least those with a first style of second mounting elements, and
those with a second style of second mounting elements.
[0036] According to the present invention, the operator of the
inventory method accepts a plurality of orders for different
eyebolt assemblies. In response to a first of such orders, the
operator selects any eyebolt body from the inventory, and selects
an eyebolt mounting component that has a first style of second
mounting element. Since the first mounting element on every eyebolt
mounting component in the inventory will mate with every eyebolt
body, there is no need to specially select for this combination. In
response to a second of the plurality orders, the operator selects
any eyebolt body from the inventory and an eyebolt mounting
component that has a second style of second mounting element. An
eyebolt body is assembled to each of the selected eyebolt mounting
components responsive to the first and second orders. Preferably,
the elements are releasably assembled together.
[0037] The eyebolt inventory control method according to the
present invention lends itself to refurbishing pre-existing eyebolt
assemblies. Existing eyebolts with permanently fixed mounting
components, for example, threaded studs integral with the eyebolt
body, can be removed and the eyebolt body drilled and tapped to
accept a standard eyebolt mounting component. Also, where the
elements have been previously releasably assembled together, they
can be disassembled and new components combined to refurbish
damaged assemblies, or to meet new mounting requirements.
[0038] What have been described are preferred embodiments in which
modifications and changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the accompanying claims. Clearly, many
modifications and variations of the present invention are possible
in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood
that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
* * * * *